Hi I was thinking of trading up to a b series and was wondering what horsepower was a good choice ,I have a bx 25 now,also does a b series cut grass as good as a bx series,(does the b series damage the turf) with turf tires? I was looking at higher ground clearance and more hydraulic flow and more loader lift capacity then my bx 25, im happy with engine horsepower but if I go to a new tractor( larger) I would like to have the same power to weight.
Buying Advice bx or b series and what horsepower
- Thread starter taos
- Start date
- Views: 9836
bp fick
Super Member
You are asking good questions. The B's in the 20 series are a personal choice, any of them, it just depends on your pocketbook and PTO hp needs.
The power to weigh ratio will not be noticeably different, in my view. The B 20 series isn't THAT much heavier. The B2920 would obviously be the most power to weight ration. The hp is rated at lower RPMs on the B's, so the 23 hp B2320 has the same D1005 engine as the BX2660, for example.
The current B in the 20 series does NOT mark the grass. I have very sensitive, sand based grass, that tears easily and I see absolutely no difference between it and the BX1860 I replaced.
The ground clearance is wonderful. Honestly? Just think of the B 20 series as a BX on much, much bigger wheels. It is quite easy to manage in tighter places. Also, the HST transmission is much less whiny and the tone of the bigger block engine is very pleasant. The 3 range is nice, and the 1/4 valving of the 3 pt control simply works better.
I compared a BX to a B2320 and wrote a full review here, if you have an interest.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../185147-bx1860-vx-b2320-contrast-compare.html
The power to weigh ratio will not be noticeably different, in my view. The B 20 series isn't THAT much heavier. The B2920 would obviously be the most power to weight ration. The hp is rated at lower RPMs on the B's, so the 23 hp B2320 has the same D1005 engine as the BX2660, for example.
The current B in the 20 series does NOT mark the grass. I have very sensitive, sand based grass, that tears easily and I see absolutely no difference between it and the BX1860 I replaced.
The ground clearance is wonderful. Honestly? Just think of the B 20 series as a BX on much, much bigger wheels. It is quite easy to manage in tighter places. Also, the HST transmission is much less whiny and the tone of the bigger block engine is very pleasant. The 3 range is nice, and the 1/4 valving of the 3 pt control simply works better.
I compared a BX to a B2320 and wrote a full review here, if you have an interest.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../185147-bx1860-vx-b2320-contrast-compare.html
jdonovan
Gold Member
What implements do you need to run from the PTO and what is their HP requirement?
B's are fine grass cutters. Bigger and less tight turning than a BX, but do a reasonable job as long as you don't have lots of obstacles to dodge.
Yep, lots more clearance on a B vs a BX.
There is more flow, but the cylinders are larger on a B loader, so net-net your cycle time wont be 2x what you have on the bx now.
The lift capacity isn't that different.... BX - 518 vs B2920 661
Difference of about 140 lbs
The BX25 and the B2920 weigh the exact same. (1542 vs 1554).. Ok its like 12 lbs different... but close enough.
If you really have out grown the BX and need lots more loader capacity, and more power/traction the B series is likely to disappoint you. It IS an upgrade, but the upgrade is slight.
I've got a BX I've out grown and looked at the B's and there just isn't enough increase in capacity for the trade. I'm looking at a Larger frame L at this point L4240. I realize this may be way too much of an upgrade for you, but its the right change for my new needs.
You need to list out what you need the new machine to be able to do, and then find a machine that fits the need, rather than saying I want a bigger machine, and then hoping it can do the job.
LD1
Epic Contributor
I agree.
The Bxx20 series isnt that much of an upgrade over the BX and I think you will be dissapointed as well.
I wouldn't even consider the upgrade unless you jump up to the Bxx30 series or the B3200/3300 series. Those will offer a good bit more lift capacity on the FEL and 3PH than the BX or Bxx20 series.
Tom_H
Veteran Member
You should be aware that when it comes to an MMM on B series tractors, they fall into two different categories. Some of the B tractors have free floating suspension for the MMM like the BX series. The suspension can hold the deck up and you can put as little or as much of the weight on the anti-scalp wheels as you like. Other B series tractors require you to lower the deck and the wheels on the MMM carry the full weight of the deck. The ones that have the free floating MMM do NOT have position control on the 3ph. Those that do have position control on the 3ph do NOT have the free floating MMM. No Kubota has both free floating MMM AND position control.
If I remember correctly the XX00 series has position control but no floating MMM, while the XX30 models have free floating MMM but no position control.
If I remember correctly the XX00 series has position control but no floating MMM, while the XX30 models have free floating MMM but no position control.
bp fick
Super Member
In my extensive review,
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../185147-bx1860-vx-b2320-contrast-compare.html
I detailed the differences I found, when trading up from a BX1860 to a B2320 just a few months ago. I didn't spend much time in the review with stats, but went about my everyday chores and talked about them in the review.
1.) Plowing
2.) Field cultivating
3.) Using the loader
4.) Towing
5.) Mowing grass with RFM
6.) Snow plowing
It is only in doing actual chores with one's tractor that you get a feel both for what it can, and how the controls, levers, and features work, imo. For me, the primary, over-riding necessity was not the FEL, (no big deal) the 3 speed ranges, (no big deal) increased HP, (no big deal) etc.
For me, it was ground clearance. End of story.
In a nutshell? Nice perks and bonuses, but that's about it. Only you can decide whether the B is a large enough "upgrade" to meet your work-a-day world of tractor chores.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../185147-bx1860-vx-b2320-contrast-compare.html
I detailed the differences I found, when trading up from a BX1860 to a B2320 just a few months ago. I didn't spend much time in the review with stats, but went about my everyday chores and talked about them in the review.
1.) Plowing
2.) Field cultivating
3.) Using the loader
4.) Towing
5.) Mowing grass with RFM
6.) Snow plowing
It is only in doing actual chores with one's tractor that you get a feel both for what it can, and how the controls, levers, and features work, imo. For me, the primary, over-riding necessity was not the FEL, (no big deal) the 3 speed ranges, (no big deal) increased HP, (no big deal) etc.
For me, it was ground clearance. End of story.
In real life, the B2320 cycles the FEL much quicker and it is more powerful.
In real life, the entire package is quieter to operate.
In real life, the B has a far better instrument panel.
In real life, the B is taller, slightly longer, and slightly less nimble.
In real life, the B has a much larger 3 pt hitch geometry.
In a nutshell? Nice perks and bonuses, but that's about it. Only you can decide whether the B is a large enough "upgrade" to meet your work-a-day world of tractor chores.
JOHNTHOMAS
Super Member
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2008
- Messages
- 7,719
- Location
- Somerset, Ky
- Tractor
- F2690 4WD RTV X1140 MX5400 HST ZD1211
TripleR
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2009
- Messages
- 18,538
- Location
- Missouri
- Tractor
- Kubota M8540HDC, L5740HSTC, BX2200, BX2660, John Deere 425&1025R, Case, Massey Ferguson, Ford
You have gotten some excellent advice so far on which I can't improve. A couple of years ago I was convinced that I "needed" to "upgrade" to a B Series. Heck I even sold my BX. After a LOT of research and trying more tractors than I can remember, I bought a new BX2660.
This year I bought a L5030 which makes an excellent companion to my BX. For me an "upgrade" to a B just wasn't the right niche for me, but it is for others; only you can tell.
We do have an M8540, but we mostly use it on another farm.
This year I bought a L5030 which makes an excellent companion to my BX. For me an "upgrade" to a B just wasn't the right niche for me, but it is for others; only you can tell.
We do have an M8540, but we mostly use it on another farm.
JOHNTHOMAS
Super Member
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2008
- Messages
- 7,719
- Location
- Somerset, Ky
- Tractor
- F2690 4WD RTV X1140 MX5400 HST ZD1211
I started with a BX2200 MMM FEL as my first life time mower with an expensive wheelbarrow on the front, To my delight I discovered I had a workhorse that was awesome and also mowed good. My property was rough, gullied, rocky and some scrubby trees on a hillside.
After one year I traded to a B7800 FEL and RFM. Reason........GROUND CLEARANCE AND GROUND CLEARANCE AND GROUND CLEARANCE. Had the B7800 and also bought a BX1500MMM for wife to help me mow. Kept both of them for 3 years until paid off.
Traded for a BX2350 MMM and L3240HST. Kept both of them for less than a year. L3240HST TO MUCH GROUND CLEARANCE ON MY HILLSIDE. Never felt comfortable (safe) on it on hills. Run over a rock with one wheel or in a hole and it was brown pants time but it was great and stable and I was King of the Mountain on my flat front yard or slightly tilting small section of front yard which is where I didn't need to use it since I had a BX for mowing.
Try them on your property if possible and at least at the dealers. There is such a thing as to big. I shake my head alot of times when I see people that haven't experienced a bigger tractor advising that get BIGGER and BIGGER is better. It ain't so. Match the tractor to your mostly needs and hire someone with specialized equipment to do those occasional jobs.
Consider your needs and get what will meet them. Since you've had a tractor you have a better idea of what you'll do with it than I did on my first purchase or almost anyone that has never owned one.
broncorm
Member
I traded my bx24 for a b3030 last spring. I did not get a mower with it. I was tired other swapping the deck, hoe and loader everytime I needed to mow. I went and got a home cheapo rider so I size of my lawn take about 15 minute more to mow but when you count the time swapping over work out to be the same. I am very happy with the 3030/
High Compression
Platinum Member
I have both a BX 2660 and a B3030HSDC with turf tires. I find that the tires are relative to the size and weight of the tractor. The exception is that if you load the tires. Obviously bigger tires will hold more ballast, i.e. more weight. I have both tractors loaded with Rim Guard. The bx 2660 tires hold 10 gal ea. at 11.6 lbs/gal and the B3030 holds 35 gal ea. at 11.6 lbs/gal. I don't have any problems tearing up grass unless I get aggressive with my acceleration or turning.
newbury
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2009
- Messages
- 14,845
- Location
- From Vt, in Va, retiring to MS
- Tractor
- Kubota's - B7610, M4700
You really need to provide more info for good advice. How much, what type of work you need to do,
BUTT -
When I went thru the decision process for my ride I wasn't sure how much tractor I'd need when I retire. I've properties in Vt, MS, and Va to maintain. Primarily want to build trails etc.
So for my first tractor I chose my ride for ground clearance and BH potential. I viewed the BH offerings from Kubota on the smaller BX's as too small. I wanted something that I could dig a hole deep enough so I couldn't see out. I also needed something small enough to be REALLY useful but allow a trade up path. If I had gotten a 30HP machine I would have a hard time justifying to SWMBO a move up to a 40 or 50HP machine.
This way I think I'll be able to keep both
If you envision being able to USE a 50HP machine I'm sure you can get a similar power to weight ratio. But getting a B slightly larger wouldn't B bad.
Tom_H
Veteran Member
Thanks for the correction JT.
The quarter inching on the BX can be really frustrating at times, especially when I am trying to keep the brush hog at the same height out in the field. I have never used position control nor draft control, so I have nothing for a frame of reference. I do not personally know how much better position control is on the B tractors that have it.
If this matters to the OP, here is some information:
http://www.tractorsmart.com/main/Tractor Three Point Lift Types.htm
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/168321-quarter-inching-valve.html
montelatici
Platinum Member
I had an old B series before getting to BXs (a BX 24 and an 1850). Not a whole lot of difference. For an upgrade to something that will do a whole lot more go to an L series.
bp fick
Super Member
For those who have suggested the stouter L series, the OP asking about cutting grass and given the OP's comparison question about B series, it seems that's where his interest is focused. Do people cut lawns with an L? I honestly do not know.
Of course, an L and a riding mower of some kind might fit the bill, but that's another discussion.
LD1
Epic Contributor
I do cut grass with my L. And they are a whole lot more tractor than the B, BUT they don't have a MMM as an option. The B's are the biggest kubota goes with the MMM. To mow grass with an L you have to use a RFM, and if mowing is a PRIMARY task, then the MMM and a B is the way to go. For me, I also have a riding mower for the closer stuff AND mowing is NOT a Primary task.
bp fick
Super Member
Hmmmm, I'm not sure that's right. Kubota.com clearly shows MMM on L series. Not all of them, to be sure, but 3 models, I believe.
LD1
Epic Contributor
I guess I learn something new everyday
I guess I just assumed that since they didnt offer the MMM on the Lxx00 series like my l3400, that they didn't on the larger Grand L's. But then again, The grand L's are a lot heavier and a LOT more $$$ too. Unless you live somewhere where it is bone dry most of the season, I wouldn't want to mow all the time with a 3500lb mower.
jdonovan
Gold Member
If the OP had found they REALLY need substantially more tractor than a BX, then they have a job/needs that really are too divergent for one tool to do all of them well.
For example... Asking a single machine to do large earth works, plow, finish mow, have a 10' backhoe etc... is not going to get you a machine that will do all of those tasks well.
If a BX/B isn't going to satisfy the loader/3-point implement needs, you will likely be MUCH happier with 2 tools to cover the range of jobs.
With many of the mid-mount mowers at $3,000 that gives me a heck of a budget to get a really nice riding mower. Plus in my house the wife won't willingly run the tractor, but I'd expect she would be much more likely to run a small easier to use mower. That would give us the ability to do more work in less time as there would be two machines running, and two tasks would be getting done at the same time.
I agree two machines is a different discussion and the OP might not have the space to store, or even the want for two machines. But if you need a 1 machine solution, and the needs call for grass cutting, then its the B all the way. But you'll have to live with less loader, less weight, and less traction.
If you get to the top of the B range, the 3200, you are VERY close to the L in overall dimensions, weight is only 600lbs different, and I'm not sure the B3200 with loaded tires, is going to be noticeably lighter than the L3200 with unloaded tires.
Here are some similar links:
